MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Service members attended the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron (JCSS) sponsored Profession of Arms Center of Excellence (PACE) course at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 6-8, 2016.
The five-hour course focused on self-improvement and self-reflection as well as improving communication skills. The goal was to motivate and give military members the tools needed to take action and create change.
“Take action, don’t accept things the way they use to be; change the paradigm,” explained Senior Master Sgt. Keith Castille, operations superintendent assigned to PACE.
During the course, the instructor talked about a range of topics to include personal bias, getting to know people, power and its effects, and developing relationships.
Staff Sgt. Rosalyn Reeder, administrative NCO in charge under the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command explained that her biggest takeaway was self-improvement and being my wingman's keeper which allows her to help the well-being of those around her and herself.
“You don't know the impact you can have on someone, but actively listening or taking the time to truly get to know a person can make all the difference,” said Reeder. “The PACE course made me stop, take a step back and evaluate what is going on around me, tune out all the noise and get back to basics."
The course not only impacts the mission, but it impacts the individuals as well because the idea behind the course is to make better people who will make better Airmen for the Air Force and national defense.
“By enhancing human capital, we have been able to demonstrate and improve operational performance, lower rates of delinquent behavior and lower washout rates in flying training squadrons,” explained Col. Richard Tatem, individual mobility augmentee to the director of PACE. “The mission is getting done better and operational performance is improving by enhancing human capital by focusing on the human domain.”
The goal of PACE is to apply the tools taught in the course to everyday life; they can be used anywhere and at any time.
“Today is the day to start making a difference at home, in our marriage, in our workplace and in our own life. Don’t wait another day; today is the day,” said Tatem.